Honey White Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Honey White Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its tender crumb and golden crust make it a delightful homemade treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups warm water (100-110°F)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (not instant)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
• 4 ¾ – 5 ¾ cups bread flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Step 2: Attach the dough hook to the mixer. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add bread flour, about 1 cup at a time. Start with 4 ¾ cups and add more as needed. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch but not overly sticky.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough using the dough hook or by hand for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Gently punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a floured surface, shape each half into a rectangle about 8 inches wide. Roll each up tightly, pinch the seams, and place seam side down into two lightly greased 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch bread pans.
7. Step 7: Cover the pans with lightly greased plastic wrap or a thin towel. Let the dough rise until doubled and about ½ inch above the pan’s rim, about 30-40 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F while the loaves are rising.
9. Step 9: Bake the loaves for 29-32 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped, or internal temperature reaches 190-200°F. Remove from oven, spread butter on top if desired, and cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For mini loaves, divide each half of the dough into three smaller portions and bake for 19-21 minutes.
• To prevent dough from climbing the dough hook, spray the hook lightly with cooking spray before kneading.

Storage

Store this bread at room temperature in a loosely wrapped plastic bag or bread box for 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Instant yeast can be used but may change the rising time slightly. Since this recipe proofs the yeast separately, using active dry yeast is preferred for best results.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow. An internal temperature of 190-200°F is a reliable indicator the bread is done.

Honey White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x

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Description

This Honey White Bread recipe yields soft, slightly sweet homemade loaves perfect for sandwiches or toasting. The bread features a tender crumb thanks to the blend of honey, butter, and eggs, with a golden crust baked to perfection in the oven. Made with active dry yeast and bread flour, this bread is approachable for bakers of all levels and offers a delightful balance of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups warm water (100-110°F)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten

Dry Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (not instant)
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
• 4 ¾ – 5 ¾ cups bread flour

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Instructions

1. Proof the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it stand for 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Add wet ingredients and salt: Attach the dough hook to your mixer and add the melted butter, beaten egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add flour gradually: Slowly add the bread flour about 1 cup at a time, starting with 4 ¾ cups. The exact amount may vary. The dough should feel slightly sticky but not overly so when touched.
4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 7 minutes using the dough hook or by hand until it is elastic and smooth.
5. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the dough and divide it in half using a kitchen scale for even portions. On a lightly floured surface, press each piece into an 8-inch wide rectangle and roll it up tightly, pinching the seams closed. Place the loaves seam side down into two greased 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch bread pans.
7. Second rise: Cover the pans with lightly greased plastic wrap or a thin kitchen towel and let the dough rise until doubled and about ½ inch above the pan rim, about 30-40 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the bread: Bake the loaves for 29-32 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped, or until the internal temperature reads 190-200°F. Remove from pans to a cooling rack, spread butter on top if desired, and optionally sprinkle with a little salt. Allow to cool before slicing.
10. Storage: Store the cooled bread at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• For mini loaves, divide each half of the dough into three equal pieces using a kitchen scale and bake for 19-21 minutes.
• Spray the dough hook with cooking spray before kneading to prevent dough from climbing up the hook.
• Ensure the water temperature is between 100-110°F to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use bread flour for best texture and structure; all-purpose flour may result in a less chewy crumb.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey white bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, soft white bread, sweet bread loaf